Higher Scientist

About the Role

Help Build the UK’s Next ‑ Generation Quantum Networks

Join the team shaping the future of quantum communications. We’re seeking an experienced Higher Scientist to join the within the . This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with national impact at the frontier of and build the next ‑ generation quantum networks.

You will be joining the group at an exciting time, as we develop one of UK’s leading quantum network testbed, an ambitious programme uniting world ‑ class teams across NPL, academia and industry.

Our work underpins cutting ‑ edge quantum photonic and , including single ‑ photon sources, detectors, quantum random number generators, quantum key distribution (QKD) and advanced quantum communications. You will be directly involved in developing the hardware, software and metrology that will define the next era of secure communication.

This permanent position offers the opportunity to work hands ‑ on with state ‑ of ‑ the ‑ art systems, develop bespoke instrumentation, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams leading innovators across the global quantum ecosystem.

You will help develop measurement capabilities for photonic quantum systems, working with industry to solve key metrology challenges and support the advancement of current and future quantum technologies. The role will evolve with the field, offering strong opportunities for progression.

We collaborate with leading researchers across UK and international academia, industry and national laboratories. You will have opportunities to publish in high‑impact journals and present your work at major international conferences.

Key responsibilities (depending on experience):

• Design and implement experimental methods to characterise quantum photonic devices and systems
• Build advanced experimental setups and develop custom instrumentation
• Develop control systems and data ‑ analysis software
• Perform analytical and numerical data analysis
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, academic partners and industry
• Publish in high ‑ impact journals and present at international conferences
• Identify commercially promising research directions and support industry engagement
• Contribute to or lead bid submissions
• Represent NPL within the UK and international quantum community

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential:

• Experimental experience with photonic systems (fibre, free-space or ‘on-chip’)
• PhD, or equivalent experience, in experimental physics, engineering or hardware development
• Strong scientific rigour and problem‑solving ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work across multiple teams and manage priorities

·

Desirable:

• Post-doctoral experience in a relevant field
• Experience collaborating with industry, academia or national labs
• Experience with single-photon sources and detectors, quantum photonic technologies, quantum networks, quantum optics experiments
• Experimental experience in time-synchronisation techniques
• Programming expertise (e.g. LabVIEW and MATLAB/Python)
• Electronics design and system integration
• Track record of publications, funding and/or commercial impact in a relevant scientific area
• Experience in commercial technical work and developing innovative solutions to industry challenges
• Experience of leading collaborative, multidisciplinary research

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.